Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous The mantra heading into second-quarter results is that another display of stupendous growth of 24% over a year earlier makes equities appear quite reasonably priced. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 July 2026 Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026 The Boston bullpen followed with stupendous collective effort, and in a timely two hours and 32 minutes, the Red Sox completed 2-1 victory for a series sweep of the White Sox. Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Nothing has had a life like that record, but it’s given me an amazing life.
    Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Thousands of attendees had descended on the festival grounds, buoyed by—for lack of a better term—amazing vibes, despite temperatures north of 103 degrees.
    Biz Sherbert, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The astonishing social movements of the decade—particularly the black freedom struggle and the antiwar movement—could have produced a more durable sense of solidarity and collective possibilities.
    Maggie McGowan, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
  • One of the best actors working today, Coon essentially plays two different sides of Rita with astonishing range across these chronologies, portraying the past and the present of her character through distinctive markers.
    Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s how Wagner found Daniel Paul, an architectural historian who researched and documented the 38-foot-tall cupola-style structure built in 1960 by Van Tassel, who ascribed it miraculous powers including antigravity, rejuvenation and time travel.
    Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Words like miraculous, inspirational, incredible, amazing and magical were just some of the adjectives heard at Friday’s event.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • As noted previously, this is a marvelous time to enjoy the great outdoors.
    Ed Silverman, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Of course those are only two of the marvelous local crops on offer at both Breezy Willow and at our two local farmers’ markets — Tiber Park in the historic district and the Miller Library.
    Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In finishing 27 for 30 for 401 yards, Mensah went an incredible 12 for 14 on passes thrown 10 yards or more.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The best form of flattery is imitation, and Robert Pattinson does an incredible impression of Chris Hansen for A24’s new movie, Primetime.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The timing of the sale was a shock to much of the organization, though the decision to move on was less surprising.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Buttafuoco’s interview came out during the start of the Venice Film Festival, and the occasion led the art Biennale to find a surprising supporter in Sergei Loznitsa, perhaps the most famous Ukrainian filmmaker working today.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Fenix, at one point countered an avalanche Mexican destroyer attempt, stunning Penta and turning it around into a Mexican muscle buster.
    Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Charles Kelley is revealing the stunning difference in his appearance after going sober.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!